Contact International Student and Scholar Services

Email:
isss​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-1520

Additional information

  • ISSS Front desk

8am–5pm Arizona time

928-523-1520

  • Non-medical emergency line 24/7

1-800-285-3943

  • Outside the US and Canada

+1-602-234-9105

iNAU

Schedule an advisor appointment

J-2 dependents

How to bring your family to the US

 The J-2 visa is for dependents of J-1 visa holders, either spouse or a child, of the J-1 visa holder. J-1 students who would like to bring a dependent to the US, will need to provide proof of funding $5,500 for a spouse and $3,500 for a child for an academic year.

Adding a spouse and/or dependent children

Step 1: request an J-2 DS-2019 Accordion Closed

To receive DS-2019s for your dependents, you will need to submit a new DS-2019 E-form at iNAU.  You will need the following documents:

  • Biographical passport page for each dependent
  • Copy of your marriage certificate and translation (spouse)
  • Copy of birth certificate and translation (children)
  • Financial documentation demonstrating proof of finances to cover all costs for yourself and any dependents

Step 2: receive new DS-2019s and send to dependents Accordion Closed

Once we have received your request, we will issue new DS-2019s for you and your dependents and you will receive an email notification when they are ready for pickup. Your dependents will need their original DS-2019s, so you will need to arrange for their receipt of the documents. No SEVIS I-901 fee is required for J-2 dependents.

Step 3: apply for J-2 visa Accordion Closed

Your J-2 dependent(s) must have the original DS-2019 and should use their new DS-2019 to schedule a visa appointment and apply for an J-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

Work

Accompanying dependents of J-1 students who are holding J-2 visas are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS in order to work in the United States. Employment cannot begin until the EAD is received. If approved, J-2 income should not be used to support their spouse. Please see an ISSS adviser for more information.

Study

J-2 visa holders can study part- or full-time.

Extended family

Family members who are not your legal spouse or child are not considered dependents and do not qualify for a J-2 visa. They can apply to get a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa. Learn how to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa on the State Department’s website.